July 31, 2012

My kiddos and I are in North Carolina visiting my mom. This allows quite a bit of knitting time as we sit on my mom's porch chatting and enjoying the antics of her adorable cat, Cissa, or gathered around her TV watching the Olympics. None of the knitting is quite ready for prime time yet, so I thought I'd show you the beautiful collection of designs my friend Tanis - who's yarns I've raved about in the past - has put together along with Julie Crawford of Knitted Bliss.

In The Stella Collection you will find 4 lovely designs, each featuring a different Tanis Fiber Arts yarn. The ebook is well organized with gorgeous photos of the designs. Tanis and Julie have included both charts and written instructions in the patterns to appeal to the broadest range of knitters.

Tanis and Julie kindly offered a copy of the collection to one lucky reader. To enter to win a copy of The Stella Collection just comment on this post. The contest ends on Sunday, August 5th at midnight, EDT.

July 17, 2012

It has been a hectic month. Sofie & Izzy graduated from HS at the end of June. (IJK graduated #1 in her class. We are all very, very proud of her.) Continuing a trend that has existed since the day S&I were born my three children made it impossible to get a photo where all three were cooperating and politely smiling. At least you know they enjoy each other.

The day before graduation we made our final move into NYC. Yes, we are full time New Yorkers now, and despite the soaring temperatures we love our new life. I am lucky enough to live a few short blocks from the Hudson River Park, which has the most magnificent views, and thankfully offers lovely breezes even on the hottest days. We stood on "our" pier and watched the fireworks on the 4th. We're quite a bit south of where the televised action was, which allowed us a nice view of the fireworks without the insane crowds.

No fireworks in the photo below, but it does have a pretty sweet full moon and was taken from "our" pier, looking back at lower Manhattan.

Two days after graduation I headed out for my first trip to TNNA, where I spent time with friends old and new, had a peek at exciting new yarns from some of our favorite companies, and tasted my first Jeni's Ice Cream. I came home brimming with ideas and inspiration.

I was home from TNNA for one day and then off again. This time to SSK. What a fantastic event! I met scores of kind, talented knitters, spinners & dyers and had the pleasure of teaching 4 classes. They were such a fun group that a Nashville watering hole caught on to the group after the first day and offered a drink special in SSK's honor.

Finally back in NYC I am settling into my new life and working on new knits. Here's a peek at something I'm working on for a fall release - squishy garter stitch stripes with a chunky cable. As long as I knit this in the AC it helps me dream of chilly winter days. The yarn is Cascade Yarns Eco Cloud.One last announcement, now that the TTL Mystery Shawl KAL is over, we're having a contest to name the pattern. The deadline for entries is midnight tomorrow (July 18th). If you have an idea for a name go to the Ravelry group and enter.